Impetuous Adventure

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Richard and Sue Croall are loyal Integrity owners who upgraded from their Integrity 49 to a more spacious 530 Grand Sedan, named ‘Impetuous’, which can lay claim to being the largest Integrity built to date.

“We loved our 49, but we simply wanted more room for the kids and grandkids,” explained Richard. “We wanted three cabins, larger living space and family-friendly features, and Integrity was happy to oblige.”

Nothing was beyond their capacity and everything was feasible, added Richard, thrilled with the outcome.

“Integrity really gives owners the opportunity to put their stamp on their boat. They are great collaborators, willing to listen at every stage and they produce a first rate, customised product.”

Essential for the Croalls was the range of Integrity characteristics, such as open plan, free-flowing layout, wide, walkaround decks and high railings, particularly with small children on board who have a fascination with fish and the water.

“We wanted our Integrity 530 to be as safe as possible and easy to spread out on when you have a few people onboard.”

For Sue, it was all about the design of the galley, saloon and cockpit for ease of entertaining. “Sue wanted loads of drawer space for all the pots and pans and appliances,” said Richard. “And she directed the design of the galley right down to the last detail, such as the recess of the induction stove. Sue worked with the expert interiors team at 3 Beaches on the colour palette of the saloon and cabins. They did a sensational job! It feels like home.”

Along with additional cabin and roomy saloon, the 530 Grand Sedan boasts a larger swim platform and aft barbeque – ideal for no-fuss cooking of fresh-caught fish.

“We added some custom touches to that too,” said Richard.

Adam Workman, the Sydney-based dealer for Integrity, was extremely helpful in interpreting the couple’s vision for Impetuous, liaising with the factory throughout the production process.

“His expertise was much appreciated,” said Richard, who has just experienced his first Sydney to Gold Coast voyage sharing the helm with Adam.

“We made the journey in one hit – 38 hours straight – which is something I have always wanted to do, but never had the confidence to attempt. Cruising at night is very different from daylight. I have been on and around boats all my life, spent New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour and exploring Pittwater and the Hawkesbury, but nothing like this, 20 miles off the coast.

“Adam was very knowledgeable, sharing the load and working with me to maximise the use of the radar, fuel efficiency and everything. We had Nick onboard too, who was doing his Coxswain ticket and we both learnt a lot.”

One point that Richard found most impressive was the reliability of his boat’s single Scania engine, which he said “didn’t miss a beat” on the entire trip.

“Logic may say two engines are better than one, but the configuration of the boat lends itself to a single engine, and when you consider that every Sydney ferry, commercial craft and trawlers the world over all rely on single engines, that’s pretty convincing.”

Next on the agenda for Richard and Sue, who in their early 70s describe themselves as “the two biggest kids on the block”, is a raft up in February with a group that calls itself “Team Integrity”.

“We have a dozen or so Integrity boats from NSW who will meet at Mushroom Bay near Akuna Bay in Pittwater. We’re planning to head to Jervis Bay and pick up some tips along the way, have a few reds, some laughs – what more could you ask for?”

Then they definitely have their sights set on more challenging itineraries, such as The Whitsundays and Tasmania. “Impetuous could take us anywhere, I know that now. It’s nice to be able to plan for some adventures further afield.”